Many travellers fly into Cam Ranh Airport (CXR) — it has plenty of flights, including international ones — and continue up to Da Lat to combine beach and mountains. The drive is about 160 – 180 km depending on the route, roughly 3.5 – 4.5 hours.
Two main routes
1. Via Khanh Le pass (QL27C): head north towards Nha Trang, turn at Dien Khanh and climb the Khanh Le pass to Da Lat. A long, winding pass with beautiful forest scenery and pine highlands at the top.
2. Via Phan Rang and Ngoan Muc pass (QL27): head south to Phan Rang, then follow QL27 over the Ngoan Muc pass through Don Duong to Da Lat. A shorter pass with a viewpoint over the Da Nhim hydropower plant.
Your driver picks the best route for the weather and road conditions that day — in the rainy season one of the passes is occasionally restricted.
Why take a private car straight from the airport
- No detour into Nha Trang: the car meets you at arrivals and drives straight up.
- Your schedule: if your flight is late, the driver waits — no missed fixed departures.
- Long mountain roads: stop for rest, views and photos whenever you want; easier if you get car-sick.
- Lots of luggage: 7- and 16-seaters have room for suitcases and golf bags.
Reference price on the Da Lat – Nha Trang route: 4-seat car 1,000,000 VND, 7-seat car 1,100,000 VND; the exact airport price is quoted all-inclusive when you book. See Cam Ranh airport transfers and the Da Lat – Nha Trang price list.
Tips
- Choose a flight landing before 2pm so you reach Da Lat before dark, especially in the rainy season.
- If you get car-sick, eat lightly before the trip and sit in the front row.
- Da Lat is much colder than Cam Ranh — keep a jacket in your carry-on.
- Continuing to Mui Ne or Saigon after Da Lat? See routes from Da Lat.
Cover photo: Diane Selwyn · Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
